Driven in part by his own yearning for refuge from our image-saturated culture, his recent work has taken a hard turn toward simplicity and restraint. “Architectureality,” his latest solo exhibition opening at Red Arrow Gallery, features minimalist abstract paintings on shaped canvases that bridge painting and sculpture. There are no people and few colors, only single objects or geometric shapes, coolly shaping and holding spaces where viewers can, as he writes in his artist statement, ”catch a visual breath.”

Pierce spoke with The Tennessean about his recent work and new exhibition, on view at Red Arrow Gallery Sept. 8-Oct. 7.

What inspired “Architectureality”?

I’ve been focusing more and more on form and color over the past few years. I used to feel I had something to prove with painting, like I had to always include my skills in realism. Now I feel free to paint according to my tastes.

I’m also consistently inspired by scientific developments. While making the paintings, I think my interest in science and technology found its way into the work. Science makes things possible that make the world feel surreal, even alien, and art can do that in its own way.

The work explores imaginary and real restraint. What’s the difference for you?

Most of my favorite artists have one thing in common. They distill their ideas down to what is essential. Complexity masquerading as simplicity. Like a Kubrick film, or an Eames chair. They all exercise restraint in order to create a structure on which they hang their ideas, and this imaginary structure then interacts in the real world.

What effect did you hope to create by shaping your canvases?

The works are all about creating and shaping space with an object. They are all image and object. I think when you are with them, they draw equal attention to both, which allows people to switch between how they look at each piece from moment to moment. I am also excited by great architecture and I wanted to put that into the work. My dad was always pushing me to be an architect and I actually lived on the architecture floor of my dorm my first year of college, but then I discovered painting, I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else at the time. I think you have to become obsessed with something to make any progress at all.

They definitely play off of each other. If art had personality types, I think music videos would be the extrovert with the gift of gab and paintings and other art objects would be the introvert with a lot of thoughts and ideas but no burning need to tell you about them right away.

What impact do you hope the show has on viewers?

I guess I always hope that when someone is near my work, they feel like they are somewhere interesting.

If you go

What: “Architectureality”

When: Sept. 8-Oct. 7

Where: Red Arrow Gallery, 919 Gallatin Ave.

Admission: free

Other: A reception will be held on opening night at 6 p.m. in conjunction with the East Side Art Stumble. There will also be a public discussion with Pierce about the show 4-6 p.m. Sept. 29, moderated by art critic Joe Nolan.